The first and undoubtedly best adaptation of a Philip K. Dick novel, Blade Runner conveys the story of ex-police officer, Rick Deckard. Once responsible for killing renegade “replicants” (quaintly referred to as “retiring”) Deckard is recalled against his will for a special case. A complex and murderous band of replicants lead by the mysterious Roy Batty(Rutger Hauer) is loose in the city and only Deckard’s capable hands can take them down.

If there is such a category, Blade Runner surely fits into “sci-fi film noire”. A triumph of design, atmosphere and storytelling, Blade Runner displays Ridley Scott’s superb stylistic approach to 2019. The neon lit, dirty streets seem as real as those walked down by Deckard’s imagined counterpart Philip Marlowe. In fact, there is a great likeness to Raymond Chandler’s approach and his famous PI throughout Dick’s novel and the film. Similarly a hard boiled and morally questionable character, Deckard makes a living among the dregs of society. There is a scene in a particular where Deckard must gain the trust of an incidental character in which Ford mimics the voice and mannerisms of Bogart’s Marlowe in The Big Sleep.

Commanding acting all around prevent the aesthetics from overpowering the poignant story. Ford gives a brilliant performance as usual, but it’s Hauer who really dominates. His portrayal of Batty is probably the highlight of the Dutch actor’s prominent career in sci-fi and horror films. Threatening and yet all too human in his feelings toward his own mortality, one can not help but feel for Roy even after his villainous behavior. Last but not least is the most underrated actresses of our time, Sean Young. Absolutely stunning in this film, Young plays the frail yet authoritative Rachael with a grace and poise reminiscent of golden age Hollywood.

Available in Blue Ray, the five disc collectors edition is a must have for your High Def collection.

Director: Ridley Scott

Writers: Phillip K. Dick (novel)
Hampton Fancher

MPAA Rating: R for violence and brief nudity


Special Note: It is extremely unfortunate that Sean Young, still as stunning as she was in this film, has gained an unfair black mark in Holly-would. While some of her antics were labeled as “weird” or “crazy” she is no more eccentric than Mel Gibson or Angelina Jolie. She would have made an intriguing Catwoman and perhaps there is hope for her to take on that role with the renewal of the Batman franchise. Perhaps Holly-would will set things right and give us a respectable actress rather than some stale imitation a.k.a. Katie Holmes et al.